AWARD-winning Sign of the Times, based in Kettering, has been bought by a leading sign manufacturer to enable both businesses to expand in to new markets.
The partnership between Gateshead-based Astley – which designs, manufactures and installs signs for national brands such as BP, Sainsbury’s and Hilton – and the well-respected Northamptonshire company promises to benefit both firms, as well as their current and prospective clients.
Managing Director Darren Roughton stressed it is “business as usual’ at Sign of the Times, based at Linnell Way on Kettering’s Telford Way Industrial Estate, but the move has brought increased opportunities to work for leading clients, utilising the greater capacity and services.
Darren, who set up the business 30 years ago, said the move will see the two businesses continuing to operate under their own established brand identities but promises further streamlined and co-ordinated processes to ensure high levels of service are maintained.
“We look forward to building a successful relationship with Astley following its acquisition of Sign of the Times.
“Not only is it fantastic news that we are now owned by such an established
company, but the partnership will positively benefit our staff and customers, including many who have been using our services for many years.”
The 30-strong workforce at Sign of the Times, including many with ten and 20 years’ service, have helped the business win prestigious awards. These include Sign of the Year at the British Signs and Graphics Association Awards in 2015 for their installation “Timeless’ a fully functional clock at Senator House in London and followed with their Craftsman of the Year award at this year’s event. Their “Timeless’ installation also took GOLD Award in the?Non-Printed Signage category at the 2016 FESPA awards.
New appointments are already being made by the Kettering firm with both parties planning to share expertise, knowledge of the signage industry and in-house capabilities, to maximise opportunities across the UK and better inform customers of industry developments and direct potential benefits.
David Redhead, Managing Director of Astley, said: “The addition of Sign of the Times strengthens Astley in terms of capability and will allow us entry into new markets.
“This is an exciting time for Astley as we will be provided with further opportunities for
bespoke projects along with a greater presence in the south of England.
“Equally this is a great opportunity to help Sign of the Times achieve its ambitious
plans to grow by sharing with them our company expertise and industry knowledge.”
Founded more than 90 years ago, Astley manages annual signage programmes for
clients across a range of sectors. Recent achievements have included being appointed the only approved UK manufacturer of BP signage, delivering the signage scheme for the
newly introduced petroleum brand Essar to the UK, and decorating the Tyne Bridge with key promotional signage for the fourth year in a row.
Sign of the Times have become synonymous with helping to create eye catching designs such as the central art piece for the new passenger lounge at Dublin Airport and the award winning “Heinz 57 Wall’, an art installation and architectural feature wall depicting the history of the infamous brand at the Heinz Innovation Centre in Holland.
To find out more see the website www.signofthetimes.co.uk or call 01536 411202.